Cockpit access protection system

ABSTRACT

The cockpit access protection system relies upon pass codes for an aircraft and utilizes the galley area as a security area to verify a person&#39;s identity before allowing access to the cockpit. The system includes normal operation to insure that unauthorized personnel do not gain access to the cockpit. Upon breach of security, the cockpit door is automatically locked by personnel on the ground. A false signal of security breach can be overcome by an authorized flight crew member communicating with ground control upon verification that the report of a false security breach is not made under duress. The system also allows emergency access to the cockpit in the event of a medical or other similar emergency. The method of operating such system is also unique.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a system for preventing unauthorizedaccess to airplane cockpits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Safety of airplane crew and passengers often depends onpreventing unauthorized access to the airplane cockpit. Presently, onlya weak cockpit door separates the cockpit from the remainder of theaircraft. Preventing unauthorized personnel from gaining control of thecockpit prevents control of the aircraft from being turned over tounauthorized personnel.

[0003] The prior art discloses several methods for preventingunauthorized access. U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,644 (Diaz) discloses a controlchamber security system having first and second doors defining an accesscontrol vestibule. Magnetic locks are provided on the doors and arecontrolled by a control panel. A video camera monitors the vestibule.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,828 (Benore et al.) discloses an electronicsecurity system having a lock system controlling access to a pluralityof enclosures. The lock mechanism has a specific access code allowingopening and closing of the locks on the door to each enclosure.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,704,845 (Ord) discloses an airplane hijackingprevention system preventing access to a cockpit by a door which can beopened only from the cockpit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The cockpit access protection system relies upon pass codes foran aircraft and utilizes the galley area as a security area to verify aperson's identity before allowing access to the cockpit. The systemincludes normal operation to insure that unauthorized personnel do notgain access to the cockpit. Upon breach of security, the cockpit door isautomatically blocked by a signal transmission from the ground. Whenthis occurs, all codes for access to other planes are reset. A falsesignal of security breach can be overcome by an authorized flight crewmember communicating with ground control upon verification that thereport of a false security breach is not made under duress. The systemalso allows emergency access to the cockpit in the event of a medical orother similar emergency.

[0007] An aircraft cockpit security system has an aircraft cockpit, thecockpit having a cockpit door to grant access to the cockpit and a lock.A control center, remote from the aircraft cockpit, may be able to lockthe cockpit door.

[0008] A system for securing a cockpit includes providing a cockpit doorto block access to the cockpit and a galley door to form a galley. Thegalley may be located between the cockpit and the remaining portion ofthe aircraft. An indicator may be placed on the galley door to signalwhen the galley door is locked. Authorized personnel are allowed intosaid cockpit and the cockpit door is locked.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a system forpreventing non-flight personnel from entering the cockpit. It is anotherobject of the invention to provide a cockpit security system that may beinstalled on any new or existing aircraft.

[0010] It is yet another object of the invention to enable pilots andother flight personnel to have use of the galley area of an aircraftunder normal operating conditions.

[0011] It is still another object of the invention to provide pilotswith a monitor to view activities outside the cockpit.

[0012] It is still another object of the invention to provide groundcontrol with the ultimate authority to control cockpit access.

[0013] It is yet another object of the invention to allow for cockpitintervention by use of a security code in pilot medical emergencies orother similar hazardous situations.

[0014] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a systemthat operates to insure against human error, poor judgement, or humanintervention actions driven by compassion.

[0015] These and other objects of the invention will become apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art after reading the disclosure of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a view of the components of the invention; and

[0017]FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the components of the system within aplane cockpit and galley.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] With reference to FIG. 1, a remote computer 10 is depicted. Thisremote computer may be located on the ground, preferably in a highlysecure area of FAA ground control. The remote computer communicates withthe cockpit access protection system (CAPS) on an aircraft 20. Theremote computer generates a concealed alphanumeric pass code unique foreach aircraft. This code is communicated to authorize flight personnelto unlock the cockpit door in case of an emergency. A new code isgenerated for every flight when CAPS is activated and changesimmediately upon a security breach on any other aircraft utilizing CAPS.

[0019] In the event of a security breach, the remote computer scramblesall pass codes for activated aircraft and sends a signal to the systemaboard the aircraft experiencing the security breach to lock the cockpitdoor. Pilots on the aircraft experiencing the security breach cannotopen the cockpit until ground control determines that it is safe to doso, or upon deactivation of CAPS. The CAP system may be located in theforward section 25 of the aircraft. The components comprising the CAPsystem are shown in FIG. 2. The forward end of the cockpit 25 is madefrom the cockpit 30 and galley area 40. A network node 36 may be locatedwithin the cockpit 30. The node communicates with and receivesinstructions from the remote computer located on the ground. The networknode also receives the concealed alphanumeric pass code from the remotecomputer.

[0020] A reinforced cockpit door 38 separates the cockpit 30 from thegalley area 40.

[0021] Also, a galley door 44 having a locked/unlocked indicator lightseparates the galley area 40 from the passenger seating area. A maincabin door 41 provides an entrance and exit way between the galley andthe exterior of the aircraft.

[0022] Sensors 42 are located on the main cabin door 41 and the galleydoor 44. The sensors on the main cabin door send the signal to theremote computer to activate CAPS when closed before departure and todeactivate CAPS upon arrival. The sensors on the galley door sendssignals to the network node indicating whether the galley door is openor closed. The galley door 44 prevents access from the passenger areaand allows the cockpit crew to use the facilities in the galley. Whenthe cockpit door is open, the galley door remains closed and locked. Theunlocked/locked indicator light shows crew members when the galley dooris locked or unlocked.

[0023] A keypad 46 having a CAPS light may be located on the bulkhead ofthe galley next to the cockpit door 38. The indicator light shows crewmembers when CAPS is activated or deactivated. The keypad is used by theflight crew to log on to the flight by entering individual socialsecurity numbers or other identification numbers. The flight crew mustsuccessfully log on before CAPS is activated. The keypad unlocks thecockpit door in case of a pilot or medical emergency or other hazardoussituation as will be described later. A two-way radio 48 is also locatedin the galley. The two-way radio is installed near the keypad and isused for voice communication between the aircraft and ground control.

[0024] A camera 34 connected to monitor 32 within the cockpit allowspilots to view events occurring outside the cockpit to visuallydetermine if any potential safety issues exist. During a securitybreach, the camera records and sends a live video feed to a monitor atground control.

[0025] With the components of the system described, the operation of thesystem will now be detailed.

[0026] After loading of the passengers and before departure of theflight, the CAPS is activated. Upon entering the aircraft, the flightpersonnel log on to the flight by entering an identification number,such as a social security number or an employee ID on the keypad. Theinformation is sent to the central processor unit for the specificairline. The numbers entered by the flight crew are verified against thepersonnel schedule to work that particular flight. The flight captaincompletes the standard departure checklist and the main cabin door isclosed. The sensor on the main cabin door triggers the network node 36to send a signal to the remote computer 10. The remote computer 10scrambles the existing pass codes for that aircraft and then generatesand files a new, encrypted pass code. At this point, the remote computeractivates CAPS for the aircraft.

[0027] During flight, the pilot views the monitor 32 to insure that thegalley area 40 is clear and contacts the flight attendant to secure thegalley door 44. Once the galley door 44 is closed and locked, sensors onthe galley door send a signal to the node 36 indicating the lockedcondition. Also, a light facing out to the passenger compartment turnsred to indicate the locked position. The red light facing the passengercompartment turns to green to indicate an unlocked door. The pilot thenmay open the cockpit door 38. After exiting, the cockpit door is lockedand closed. Once in the galley area 40, the pilot is free to use thefacilities in the galley. When the pilot wishes to return to thecockpit, the pilot notifies the copilot within the cockpit. The co-pilotinside the cockpit views the cockpit monitor 32 to insure that thegalley area 40 is secure. The copilot releases the lock on the cockpitdoor 38 and the pilot in the galley 40 enters the cockpit 30 and closesthe cockpit door 38. The cockpit door 38 automatically locks. The pilotsignals a flight attendant that it is now safe to open the galley door44. When opened, sensors 42 on the galley door 44 send a signal to thenode 36 indicating the open condition of the galley door 44.

[0028] Upon a security breach, the remote computer 10 scrambles all passcodes for CAPS activated aircraft. Also, the remote computer 10 sends asignal to the node 36 located on the aircraft experiencing the securitybreach of a locked cockpit. Security breach can occur under suchconditions as the galley door 44 and cockpit door 38 being openedsimultaneously. Pilots on the aircraft experiencing a security breachcannot open the cockpit until the ground control determines that it issafe to do so or upon deactivation of CAPS.

[0029] In the event of a false security breach, an authorized flightpersonnel contacts ground control through the two-way radio 48. The crewmember must explain the events causing the false security breach andrequest that the auto-lock of the cockpit door 38 be released. Groundcontrol must verify that the individual is both authorized and notacting under duress. Ground control is able to view the galley areathrough the video feed of the camera 34. Ground control must complete achecklist to verify that no security threat exists before releasing theauto-lock of the cockpit door 38. Only ground control can release theauto-lock on the cockpit door that is initiated by a security breach.

[0030] There is a mechanism for emergency access to a cockpit. Thisprocedure is conducted only when there is an emergency situation puttingthe pilots in a potentially hazardous situation or when the connectionbetween the aircraft node 36 and remote computer 10 is broken and forthat reason the auto-lock on the cockpit door 38 cannot be overridden.For the emergency access, an authorized crew member contacts groundcontrol to alert ground personnel of the situation and request the passcode. Ground control must verify that the individual is authorized andnot acting under duress. Upon doing so, ground control provides a passcode to the authorized crew member. The crew member enters the pass codeonto the keypad 46 allowing the crew member to open the cockpit door andto remedy the emergency situation. When an emergency condition occurs,all codes of all other aircraft are automatically reset.

[0031] Upon arrival, CAPS is deactivated by the captain completing astandard arrival checklist. When the main cabin door 41 opens, thesensors on the cabin door trigger to node 36 to send a signal to theremote computer. The nodes send the signal. This signal deactivates CAPSon the aircraft and the remote computer scrambles the existing pass codefor the aircraft and deactivates CAPS for the aircraft.

[0032] While the invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiment, variations and modifications would be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of theinvention. Therefore, the claims are to be liberally construed toencompass such modifications and variations.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aircraft cockpit security system, comprisingan aircraft cockpit, said cockpit having a cockpit door to grant accessto the cockpit, said cockpit door having a lock, and a control centerremote from said aircraft cockpit, said control center being able tooperate said lock said cockpit door.
 2. The security system of claim 1,further comprising a camera mounted outside of said cockpit.
 3. Thesecurity system of claim 2, wherein images from said camera are viewablefrom said control center.
 4. The security system of claim 2, furthercomprising a monitor in said cockpit, said monitor linked to saidcamera.
 5. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a galleyarea located outside of said cockpit, and a galley door separating saidgalley area from the passenger compartment.
 6. The security system ofclaim 5, further comprising sensors on said galley door indicatingwhether the galley door is opened or closed.
 7. The security system ofclaim 6, further comprising a light in the passenger compartmentindicating the locked condition of the galley door.
 8. The securitysystem of claim 7, wherein said light is red when the galley door islocked and green when the galley door is unlocked.
 9. The securingsystem of claim 1, further comprising a door located outside of saidcockpit, said door leading to the exterior of the aircraft, and sensorson said door for indicating whether the exterior door is opened orclosed.
 10. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a networknode in said cockpit for communicating with said control center toreceive an alphanumeric code.
 11. The security system of claim 1,further comprising a two way radio located outside of said cockpit forproviding communication between the aircraft and said control center.12. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a key pad forentering flight crew identification numbers.
 13. A method for securing acockpit, comprising the steps of: providing a cockpit door to blockaccess to the cockpit, providing a galley door to form a galley, saidgalley located between the cockpit and the remaining portion of theaircraft, placing a sensor on said galley door to signal when saidgalley door is locked, allowing authorized personnel into said cockpit,and locking said cockpit door.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising the steps of: locking said galley door, and using said sensorto ensure said galley door is locked before unlocking said cockpit doorto allow an authorized person out of said cockpit.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising the step of locking the cockpit door aftersaid authorized person has left the cockpit.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising the step of conducting a visual inspection of saidgalley before allowing said authorized person to reenter the cockpit.17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of sending asignal to flight attendants that it is allowable to unlock the galleydoor after said authorized person has reentered the cockpit and thecockpit door has been locked.
 18. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising a light for indicating the locked condition of said galleydoor.
 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising said sensor sendinga signal to a network node in said cockpit.
 20. The method of claim 13,further comprising the step of verifying the identities of theauthorized personnel before said locking of said cockpit door.
 21. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: assigning analphanumeric code to the aircraft, and storing said code in a networknode in said cockpit.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising thestep of generating said code in a control center remote from theaircraft.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step ofscrambling said code in the event of a security breach.
 24. The methodof claim 21, further comprising the step of scrambling said codes forall aircraft in the event of a security breach.
 25. The method of claim13, further comprising the step of preventing the opening of the cockpitdoor in the event of a security breach.
 26. The method of claim 24,further comprising the step of allowing access to said cockpit afterverifying no security breach exists.
 27. The method of claim 25, furthercomprising the step of verifying no security breach by communicatingwith a control center remote from said aircraft.
 28. The method of claim21, further comprising entering flight crew identification numbers on akeypad before assigning said code.